Detrol

Detrol is used to treat overactive bladder symptoms, such as urinary incontinence and frequent urination. It works by relaxing the bladder muscle, which minimizes the frequent and uncontrollable bladder contractions that cause an overactive bladder. Detrol comes in tablet form and is typically taken twice a day. Side effects include dry mouth, headache, and constipation.

 

What Is Detrol?

Detrol® (tolterodine tartrate) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. Specifically, it is approved to help treat the following overactive bladder symptoms:
 
  • Frequent urination (usually defined as needing to go more than eight times in 24 hours)
  • Sudden, frequent urges to urinate
  • Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence).
     
Detrol is also available in a long-acting, once-daily tablet (see Detrol LA for more information). This article refers to the short-acting form of Detrol.
 
(Click Detrol Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
  

Who Makes Detrol?

Detrol is made by Pfizer, Inc.
 

How Does Detrol Work?

Detrol is one of a group of medications known as antimuscarinics or anticholinergics. It works by blocking specific receptors in the bladder, called muscarinic receptors, which helps the muscles of the bladder to relax. Since an overactive bladder is often due to bladder muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, Detrol can help relieve many of the symptoms of bladder problems.
 

Effects of Detrol

Studies have shown Detrol to be effective in relieving many of the symptoms of an overactive bladder. In clinical studies, people who took the drug significantly reduced the frequency of wetting accidents and needed to use the bathroom less frequently. In addition, people who took Detrol were able to pass more urine each time they used the bathroom (the frequent muscle contractions of an overactive bladder usually prevent the bladder from holding a normal amount of urine).
 

When and How to Take Detrol

General considerations for when and how to take Detrol include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth twice daily.
     
  • You can take Detrol with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Detrol should be taken at the same times each day in order to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Detrol will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Detrol

The dose of Detrol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Detrol
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Detrol Dosage for more information.)
  

Side Effects of Detrol

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Detrol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Detrol include but are not limited to:
 
 
(Click Detrol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
  

Drug Interactions With Detrol

Detrol may potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Detrol Drug Interactions).
 

Detrol: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Detrol if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Glaucoma
  • Digestive problems (especially those that involve slow emptying of food from the stomach)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Detrol Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
  

What If I Take an Overdose of Detrol?

Am overdose of Detrol could potentially cause serious effects, such as a dangerously irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Also, an overdose would be likely to cause the usual Detrol side effects, but perhaps more severely.
 
If you happen to overdose on Detrol, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Detrol Overdose for more information.)
  

How Should Detrol Be Stored?

Detrol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep Detrol and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Detrol?

If you do not take your Detrol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Detrol

Detrol tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • Detrol 1 mg
  • Detrol 2 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Detrol?

Currently, there are no generic versions of Detrol licensed for sale (see Generic Detrol).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;